Town of Trade Lake

Key discussions included the approval of the agenda order and the Treasurer's report, which showed total assets of $1,069,820.98 as of December 31, 2025. The Board authorized moving $100,000.00 from the Money Market fund to the 182-Day Certificate of Deposit (CD). Further action involved agreeing to resubmit a letter supporting the Wilderness Fellowship Ministries' Conditional Use Permit Extension to the County. Information gathering was initiated regarding the Republic Service Garbage Contract for future discussion. The Frederic Fire Department reported the appointment of a new fire chief and treasurer/bookkeeper. The Highway Maintenance report detailed efforts related to ice and material application on roads, and deferred action on additional cameras. The Board approved the purchase of a new laser printer for the Town Hall for up to $500.00. Finally, the Board entered a closed session to discuss employee compensation and subsequently voted to abide by the terms of an existing employee contract.

The Board meeting involved several key administrative actions and reports. The treasurer reported total assets of $654,076.74 as of November 30, 2025. The Board approved the 2026-2027 election worker list and authorized the renewal of the Bi-Annual Building Inspector Contract with Jon Mattson. The 2026 Recycling Control Commission Attendant Contract was also approved. Reports were received from the Frederic Fire Department and regarding the Burnett County Agricultural Fair Board's decision to purchase 8 1/2 acres of land for $40,000 for the pit area. Highway maintenance updates included postponing a driveway permit review pending application receipt, planning a meeting with Knaubers regarding a culvert issue, and confirming the submission of reimbursement documents for the Cedar Point Road project. The Board decided not to renew the Wisconsin Rural Water Association membership. Finally, town bills totaling $24,610.50 were authorized for payment.

The meeting included approval of the agenda order and minutes from previous board and special town board meetings. The Treasurer reported total assets of $850,997.01 as of the end of October 2025. The Highway Maintenance Report detailed the failure of Melo Road blacktop due to heavy equipment, requiring attention in 2026, and the completion of the shop boiler heating contractor work. Key actions included the approval of final invoices for the LRIP #18404 Cedar Point Rd project, updates on current and future LRIP grants, and the awarding of a contract for electrical work and upgrades to the shop, which included installing a 200 amp panel. The Board adopted the proposed 2026 Budget Summary totaling $670,105.05. Reports were given for the Frederic Fire levy and ambulance service statistics, including response times for Trade Lake runs. A public comment addressed the relocation of bears in the area causing crop damage. Finally, the Board approved Christmas bonuses for employees and authorized the payment of November town bills.

The Board of Review (BOR) meeting commenced with the confirmation of appropriate notices being published and posted. Key procedural actions included the selection of the Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson for the BOR, and verification that required annual training was met by members. The board confirmed the existence of an ordinance regarding the confidentiality of income and expense information. The Assessor reviewed applicable new laws pertaining to privacy redaction, and policies regarding sworn telephone/written testimony and waiver of BOR hearing requests were addressed. The Assessor's Office filed the Annual Assessment Report. The board received and reviewed the assessment roll, performing statutory duties. A specific correction noted was the observation of two tax IDs being listed under two names, which the Assessor agreed to review. Action was taken to certify corrections of errors under state law, and documentation was provided to change an assessment amount for Tax ID 35970 due to a parcel change. No property owners attended to present objections or requests for hearings.

The Town of Trade Lake held a public hearing regarding the proposed 2026 Budget. Notices for the hearing were posted on October 26, 2025, at the Town Hall, Trade Lake Store, Bass Lake Lumber, and the Town website, and published in the Inter-County Leader on October 29, 2025. The Town Treasurer and Town Clerk presented the proposed 2026 budget totaling $670,105.05 for discussion. There were no questions raised by the electors present, and the public hearing was subsequently closed.